25 Best Things to Do in Córdoba (Argentina)

Córdoba, the second-largest city in Argentina, has a different personality than the metropolis of Buenos Aires. Across the country, the people of Córdoba (known as Cordobesas) are known as fun-loving folks with a fondness for cuarteto music, rally car racing, and the drink of Fernet and Coke. While most people visiting the country will no doubt explore the capital city, Córdoba is worth the trip for its blend of new and old, with 17th-century Jesuit ruins alongside modern art galleries, and a huge student population that makes the city fun and hip.

It’s home to the country’s oldest surviving university and its rugged outskirts provide plenty of adventurous activities like parasailing and horseback riding. Córdoba is much more relaxed than Buenos Aires, so feel free to linger over a long lunch, relax in the square with a coffee or ice cream, and meet a few of the laid back locals.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Córdoba:

1. Plaza de San Martin

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Plaza De San Martin

The city’s central square is a good place to start your time in Córdoba.

You’ll find a statue of the famous General Jose de San Martin, the liberator of Argentina (and Chile and Peru) in the center.

For architecture buffs and cathedral enthusiasts, there’s the Iglesia Catedral Córdoba which was built in the 1500s and a 17th century colonial cabildo which once housed the town police and now provides tourist information.

Almost daily, you’ll find shows by bands or street performers and vendors plying their wares here.

You can have a coffee, people-watch, or feed the pigeons in this attractive central plaza.

2. Museo de la Memoria

If you haven’t yet familiarized yourself with the devastating history of Argentina’s “Dirty War” during the 70s and 80s yet, this museum provides an enlightening look.

Visitors can see some photos of the many thousands of people who disappeared at the hands of the government during this time of political turmoil.

Gain some insight into the military dictatorship of la Guerra Sucia and the kidnappings and tortures that occurred in secret.

The stark space that houses the museum was used as a secret torture and detention location by the dreaded Department of Intelligence (D2). Families of those who were “disappeared” have donated the information and photos that are featured all over the walls here.

5. Paseo de Las Artes

A great place for shopping or just browsing, this weekend street market contains original handicrafts, souvenirs, and vintage clothing and accessories, all spread out over several blocks in the Güemes neighborhood.

Check out the food for sale and street performers trying to make a buck as you wander the stalls of vendors.

There might be quite a lot of repetition in what you see, so make sure you check around for the best prices.

Even if you don’t want to buy anything, the market is surrounded by lots of great restaurants, cafes, bars, and art galleries.

18. Patio Olmos

If you need to do a little shopping or just some window shopping, check out Córdoba’s mall.

It has a several stores, a food court level, a bowling alley, and a cinema.

It houses lots of local brands and a handful of international ones within its 150 retail outlets.

The mall can draw big local crowds on the weekends, but it is a great way to get out of the heat for a little while.

Even if you don’t care for shopping, the architecture is worth a look from the outside as it was originally a boys’ middle school in 1909. After being damaged by an earthquake in 1977 it was revamped in the 1990s as a mall.

20. Cripta Jesuítica

This crypt and crematorium was originally built as a novitiate in the 18th century by the Jesuits. It’s small and runs beneath some of the main streets in town, but it’s worth a quick walk inside as it now houses a small museum and some contemporary cultural exhibits.

After the expulsion of the Jesuits, this historical site was lost when it became abandoned and buried beneath the town.

Rediscovered by a telephone company burying cables in 1989, it’s now been refurbished for performances, artwork, and tours.

21. Visit an Estancia Outside of Córdoba

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Estancia

You’re in the land of gauchos after all! Get outside the city and experience some rural culture and regional traditions.

There are several working farms and ranches (estancias) that you can visit to go horseback riding, hiking, and bird-watching.

Take in a display of professional horsemanship by some real-life gauchos, eat grilled meats at an Argentine barbecue (asado), and drink plenty of Malbec in the hills between the plains (las pampas) and the Andes.

You can plan a day trip from Córdoba or spend the night if you really want to immerse yourself in nature.

22. Stroll on Hipólito Yrigoyen Avenue in Nueva Córdoba

Nueva Córdoba is the neighborhood where you’ll find the Buen Pastor Cultural Center and a large student population, due to its proximity to the National University of Córdoba (with over 100,000 enrolled). You’ll see mansions, embassies, boutique hotels, as well as plenty of apartment complexes where the students reside.

They keep the area hip, with its many bars and cafes for a meetup or casual cocktail.

This barrio is also home to some of the best restaurants in the city where you can soak up the cool, university vibe while enjoying a variety of cuisine from Italian to Arabic to sushi.

Stroll the adjoining Calle Rondeau after midnight to discover some great nightlife.

23. Visit 220 Cultura Contemporánea Gallery

This super interactive contemporary gallery is open Thursday through Sunday and features local works of art as well as nightly events and traveling exhibits.

They have static artwork displays, but also documentaries, workshops, graphic design and photography exhibitions, and stand-up comedy courses. (Obviously, you should expect most of these things to be in Spanish.)

But even if you don’t want to join their classrooms for anything, you should check out 220 CC to browse the work that’s on display and visit the amazing “gift shop” area where you can buy unique local products and works of art by designers and artists from Córdoba.

24. Iglesia Catedral Córdoba

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Iglesia Catedral Córdoba

Located right on Plaza San Martin so you can’t miss it, take a few photos of the beautiful Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

Work on the cathedral began in 1598, and much of the initial structure collapsed before a Jesuit architect was commissioned to restart the work.

It’s separated from the cabildo by the promenade, and you can take a look at the inside and outside to see the progression of architectural styles throughout the years.

The cupola was designed by a Franciscan friar, the portico is Neoclassical, and the facade is Spanish Baroque.

Visitors should venture in to see the ornate interior and sterling silver altar that was crafted in Peru.

25. Check Out the Cerro de Las Rosas Barrio

One of the higher end residential areas in Córdoba, “The Hill of the Roses” has some of the trendiest restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and boutiques in the city.

There’s lots of eye-catching architecture and two parks where you can relax.

Head to Antares for a wide range of craft beers, a nice outdoor terrace, and platters of picadas – an assortment of meats, cheeses, and olives that go great with a few drinks before a late-night dinner.

Or grab a burger at the impressive Peñón Cervecería where there’s plenty of al fresco seating and a variety of beer on tap.